What made you decide to come to IBM as a University Placement Student?

The chance to get experience working on such a large account, practically apply what I have been studying in my degree, and have access to all the opportunities on offer at IBM. IBM’s core values stood out to me, as I felt they closely aligned to my own, which made me even more committed to pursuing a placement with IBM.

What hints or tips would you give to those who are interested into applying to IBM as a University Placement Student?

Research IBM as best as you can; reading up on stories about IBM’s initiatives will give you a clearer picture of what IBM cares about, and allow you to really consider whether IBM is a good fit for you, and whether you’re a good fit for IBM.

Don’t hold yourself back because of what you perceive to be a lack of experience for a role! IBM cares about your passion for learning - previous experience doesn’t define your potential.

What has your career journey at IBM looked like so far? (e.g., previous roles, training)

I’m now 4 months into my placement. I was lucky enough to have a long handover with the previous intern in my role, and share responsibilities while I was being trained on different processes (such as invoicing and accruals). I now manage the processes within my role independently, covering four different aspects of the clients Electronic Staff Record account.

Alongside my role, I’ve had the opportunity to lead get involved with foundation communities such as Project Management Bitesize, which aims to provide individuals in foundation with the opportunity to learn more about Project Management. I have also had the opportunity to complete learning and training on topics such as Design Thinking and Agile Methodology.

What hints and tips would you pass on to a student about to start the IBM Recruitment Process (online application form/CV, online numerical test, assessment centre, matching interview)?

Think about your individual experiences that have shaped you, and enable you to bring something unique to the table. Research the company well, and try to gain an understanding of what IBM stands for, and why you want to work for IBM.

What’s the best thing about your current role?

The people on my team! The majority of my role involves working independently, but the people on my team are incredibly supportive, which has made joining the company remotely much easier than I was expecting. Working in such a supportive environment makes it incredibly easy to ask questions, and continue to learn and grow.

What’s the best thing about being at IBM?

It’s tough to choose! The number of opportunities available is incredible, but the people really do make IBM the place it is. Every employee I’ve had the opportunity to speak to has been incredibly helpful and supportive, often willing to go out of their way to provide advice and support.